Motorcycle Ride Raises $12,000 For Children's Shelter

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- The generous hearts and hard work of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club means the residents of the Flowering Branch Children's Shelter will have a summer full of fun and activities.

That's because the club's 9th annual motorcycle ride, held on June 4, raised $12,000, which will be used to pay for summer outings and excursions for kids at the shelter, Cartersville-based Advocates For Children said.

Advocates for Children, which works to protect and serve abused and neglected youngsters in Bartow County, runs the shelter.

“Funding for summer activities is a significant need for the shelter," said Director Lyndsey Wilson. "Each time we take the kids out for an activity the cost includes up to thirteen children and three staff members. An excursion to the movies can run in excess (of) $100. We are extremely appreciative to the members of Iron Order, the participants and sponsors of the ride and everyone that supports us not only in the summer but all year long."

The highlight of the summer was a beach trip taken this week to Tybee Island.

For some residents, the trip may have been the first time the children got to dig their toes in the sand, ride the waves and take in a sunset on the beach, Advocates said.

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The shelter serves as Advocates for Children's residential program facing youth who've been neglected, abused or have run away from home.

Its goal, Advocates said on its website, is to "assess and stabilize these youth in our community by partnering with non-abusing parents, relatives, foster parents, and adoptive families, all while maintaining community ties such as original school placement."

Youth receive case management services, individual and family counseling, development of social and independent living skills, and assistance with achieving a high school diploma, GED, and entrance into college.

In addition to basic care, residents also take part in services such as music therapy, art therapy, and homework/tutoring assistance.

For more information about Advocates for Children and its programs, visit its website.

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Image via Advocates for Children